Harvest Uptown, Famine Downtown (Epiphany, 1994 [orig. released 1977])

This is an under-appreciated classic of an album from a group that is woefully underexposed, due to its status as a studio band.  Soul Syndicate features a fresh live-band sound from master musicians (Carlton "Santa" Davis, Tony Chin, Earl "Chinna" Smith, George "Fully" Fulwood, Earl "Wire" Lindo, Max Edwards, et al.) who have played with numerous giants in the industry from the '70s through today (not always all together as Soul Syndicate).  The vibe that flows through Harvest Uptown is a groovy mix of '70s funk/jazz and reggae, reminiscent of Third World's stuff of the same era, and although the tracks on this album are less well-known than those of Third World, they are every bit as good as their more famous contemporaries' material.  From the straight roots of "Red, Gold & Green" to the straight jazz/funk of "Deep Within" to the funk/reggae hybrid "Mariwana," Soul Syndicate fills this album with material that is rich, intoxicating, invigorating, and, well, soulful.  Despite the serious messages put forth, the tone of Harvest Uptown doesn't get weighed down by the themes; a light, fun sound is prevalent.  My favorite cuts are a couple of funky numbers -- "Wicked a Go Feel It" and Errol Dunkley's "Black Cinderella" -- but most everything else is nice too, particularly "Jam Down Rock," "We Got Love" (also recorded by Freddie McGregor, who fronted the group for a time), "Rootsman Connection," and "New Vibrations."  Crucial!